Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Come on and help me make my heart beep like a Tamagotchi

Netflix at home, because I don't think I can handle walking alone at night anymore

Stop, thousands of questions in my mind, I solve a quiz

Should I order love today like how I order Uber Eats?

Drink, eat, sleep, like a Tamagotchi

Just drink, eat, sleep, like a Tamagotchi

The car in front of her stopped so suddenly, she almost crashed into it. She cursed under her breath, honking, and showed the driver a middle finger as he stuck his head out of the car, arguing. She shook her head, pretending not to see him.

"I just don't understand why it has to be me."

Radzig, or, her father, as she probably should title him, spoke on the phone connected to her old Toyota's speakers, filling the car.

"Henrietta, we've been over this. Please, don't act like it's the end of the world."

The driver in front of her finally moved and turned right, leaving her be. She pressed on the gas, elbow on the door, irritated. The sun was almost setting, and Prague shone golden at this hour.

"You said she was a bitch."

Radzig sighed on the other end of the call.

"I never used that word, and you know it. I said she's quite…troublesome for Hanush."

"Same shit."

"Henrietta, watch your tone."

She pressed her lips together, running a hand through her brown hair. She looked into the left mirror, the street was quite empty, thank God, she wouldn't be able to withstand traffic today.

"Dad, I just…" She took a big breath, still not exactly used to calling Radzig that word, but he insisted, and he was the only family she had left, so what could she do? Dad it is. He was damn sure to act proud about it. "I had a shitty day."

Radzig stayed quiet for a moment.

"Was that awful lady at work bothering you again? I told you to report to your boss. She can't force her outdated views on you, you're their best mechanic."

"She just doesn't like my hair and tattoos, and makes sure I know about it."

"Outdated views, as I said. Wasn't she the one who gave me that weird look the other day, when I picked you up?" Radzig clicked his tongue. "Vile creature. She's probably older than the company. And she's a secretary, looking down on the workers, this would not suffice back in my day. Don't you have a union? She's hired on contract, right? Not even a real part of the work environment."

Henrietta chuckled.

"Dad, come on."

"Pay her no mind, alright? She's not worth your trouble. And she's not a reason to turn down this meeting either."

Shit, she really thought this could work. She groaned, making a sharp turn.

"Why do I have to do this? Why?"

"I told you already." Radzig's words were firm, but his tone was gentle, as always. "Hanush is a dear friend of mine and a business partner that I'd like to keep close in the future. He asked for this, he…probably thinks you could be some good influence on the girl."

"So I'm some sort of a rehab facility now? The guy can't keep up with his niece and sends out ravens for help?"

"I genuinely believe you two could be good friends. It would mean a lot to me if you tried to get to know her, at least." Radzig paused, hesitating. "And I'd really want you to make some friends in Prague. Hanzel is a bright young woman, she's not the devil."

Henrietta gripped the steering wheel harder, breathing out.

"I have friends."

"Oh, really? Who?"

Her jaw started to hurt from how hard she gritted her teeth.

"Matthias and Fritz. And Samuel."

"As much as I'm fond of Samuel, he's not your friend, Rietta. And the other two haven't called you in months, am I correct?"

She stayed quiet, driving, looking through the windshield more than watching the road. Radzig sighed.

"I didn't mean to be a prying, cruel old bastard. I just…I see you're unhappy. And I know it's hard for you, it is for me as well, and I just…I want to help you start over."

He always used those words, start over, never move on. Henrietta was grateful for it, even if she never expressed it. There was no moving on, for either of them, their lives were fucked up too much, intertwined most weirdly, and now Samuel was in the picture as well. She could never move on from Skalitz, but she could start over. At least Radzig hoped she could.

"Rietta? Are you mad at me?"

She sighed, realising she hadn't spoken for a moment.

"I'm not, dad. It's fine."

"I don't want to make you do this. I just want you to give it a try, and that is all. Can you do that for me?"

"Uh, fine. Alright."

She could hear the smile on his face, and it made her feel a bit better, knowing how much Radzig wanted her to go to this stupid dinner tonight. He was always worried about her staying in her little flat, barely going out, not having anyone to call. For a man who became a father to a twenty two year old girl just a bit over a year and a half ago, he was incredibly serious about the job.

"Excellent. I'll send you the details, and the dinner is on me, so you can finally eat properly. You're eating awfully as it is."

"Dad, don't comment on it."

"I don't comment on your appearance, Rietta, I've seen you eat nothing but store-bought pesto for a month one time! I'm worried about you, the only vitamins you get are the…the tablet ones that you put in water, and they're bollocks. You're eating a proper dinner tonight. Get some vegetables. Oh, and I heard Hanzel is fond of wine, maybe you girls can order some good Italian red, and I'm sure it'll make the conversation flow effortlessly."

Henrietta exhaled loudly, almost melting into the driver's seat.

"You're being ridiculous."

A notification popped up on her screen with a simple bop sound.

"There, I sent you her number and the restaurant's address, I made you two a reservation. See? This is fun."

Radzig was way too excited about playing dad sometimes.

"Alright, I'll call you tomorrow to tell you if she's as bad as the media paint her to be. She's supposed to be an entitled asshole, her Instagram is full of photos with rich kids and cars."

"Cars! She likes cars. You like cars. See?"

"I like fixing cars, she likes them brand new and worth more than my entire apartment building." She sighed, looking for a parking spot on the street. "I miss the forge sometimes, not these big city hotheads, who never saw a cow."

Radzig hummed. He was still careful about this topic, as if talking about Martin and his work was disrespectful in some way. Martin was a blacksmith, a dying profession nowadays, nevertheless, that's what he was. That's what Henrietta will always remember, the warmth of the forge by the house, the few customers that needed horseshoes because their daughters wanted to pick up horse riding, an occasional bigger gig for some fantasy nerds that wanted a sword or two. The skills Henrietta learned at home didn't mean much in a big city, but at least she knew how to work with her hands and got a good understanding of the cause-and-effect chain that her father kept talking about. And now she was an apprentice in a car workshop, and she couldn't make out if that would make her parents proud or the opposite.

"Alright, I'll call you tomorrow. If I survive this." She parked, turned the car off, looking at the phone mounted on a shitty plastic arm attached to the dashboard. "Bye."

"Goodbye, Rietta. I hope you have fun, and please, at least let her get to know you. I'm sure she'll be more than happy to meet such a lovely young woman as yourself."

She huffed, shaking her head.

"Bye, dad. Sleep tight."

She hung up, sighing deeply. She put her head against the wheel, tapping it with her fingers as she held onto it.

She took her phone, her keys, and walked out of the car and into the building. The best thing about her flat was the quiet neighbourhood, but it was quite dated and it showed. The staircase was at least seventy years old, squeaking with every step. Radzig tried talking her into staying with him, in the city centre, but she couldn't stand the noise. After multiple attempts at convincing him she can support herself financially, they settled on splitting her rent, and alright, it did make a difference. She felt awful, though, living on her own and getting a transfer from Radzig every month despite working full time and being able to actually afford it, but fine. He wanted to help, and she had some extra money every month. Fine.

She closed the door behind her, kicking the shoes off. Mutt materialized himself in the small corridor, wagging his tail.

"Hey, doggie. Who's my good boy?" She scratched his head, smiling softly. Mutt was exploding with happiness, everyday, like he thought she was gone forever every time she left for work. "We'll go on a walk in a second, I just need to put my stuff down, okay?"

She washed her hands, her face, she was dirty after the whole day at the workshop. She grabbed her headphones, put on running shoes and took Mutt's leash in hand.

She looked through Radzig's messages, each one more cringy than the other. That man used emojis, the classic ones. He also called Hanzel "Miss Hanzel", like she was a princess, not his colleague's niece. 

She sighed, hiding her phone and jogging with Mutt to the park. 

She really wasn't in the mood. She saw this girl's social media and she wouldn't even swipe her right on Tinder.

Alright, maybe she would, Hanzel was beautiful. Golden hair and blue eyes, high cheekbones, tall, taller than Henrietta, and she was a big lady. Swimmer arms, though Henrietta heard she liked archery, or something like that. Some rich people hobby. Gorgeous waist. Yeah, she'd swipe her right.

But this wasn't Tinder, this was a friend date, with someone she only knew from brief stories from Radzig and the occasional stalking in the Internet. Hanush really wanted them to be friends, for some reason. He must be desperate with that girl. Or Radzig told him some fairy tales about how Henrietta is the most put together person on earth, and will surely help Hanzel get on the right track.

She didn't have friends here, alright, she moved after the house burned down, and her parents with it. And she liked Prague good enough, if it weren't for assholes like that secretary at work, that kept telling her short hair doesn't look good on women, and that prick that hit the brakes ten meters before the red light. But she was neither this lonely, unsocial creature Radzig feared her to be, nor the most responsible twenty-two-year-old alive that he most certainly painted her as. She went out sometimes, fucked a girl or two, got drunk and went on with her life. And what if she didn't even have anyone to call when she wanted to see a movie at the cinema? Not a big deal. She could go alone.

She went back to her apartment after Mutt was happy with their walk and kicked the door closed. What would she even wear? What was she allowed to wear? The restaurant was a bit fancy, but not fancy enough to actually dress up, as if she were going to an opera or something. All her nice clothes were her going-on-dates clothes, or hookup clothes, more likely. Clothes that could attract someone pretty and were simple enough to take off quickly. 

She took a shower, washed her hair, and felt a bit better now. The run did wonders, the endorphins flooded her brain. And Mutt was happy to spend time with her. She wished she could give him more attention during weekdays, but it is what it is. She was doing the best she could, and Mutt was the only thing she had left from Skalitz. They had to stick together. 

She blow dried her short shag, stylized it a bit. The brown hair was stubborn in the mornings, but she liked it short. It gave her a more solid look, with her blue eyes and prominent brows, she was sometimes mistaken for a pretty man. Gay dudes hit on her when she'd wait at the bus stop late at night, coming home from a bar or someone's bedroom. They'd always have a laugh about it, and the guys would compliment her, and she'd say they looked amazing too. And those small moments of solidarity and community were everything she wanted from Prague. She just wished she could actually get to know these people better, but everyone was always on the run, or busy, or not interested. It was fucking hard to make friends as an adult, when she wasn't in college or some sort of a group already. 

She put on her best jeans, and a button up she didn't exactly like, but it was elegant and silk. At least she thought it was silk. Probably the most expensive thing she had in her closet. 

She looked in the mirror, sighing. She still had an hour before she had to leave, her hair was fine, she wasn't a makeup girl, so she was basically ready. But she didn't like this at all, and she needed help. 

Radzig was right, she had no friends, and the only person she dared to call a friend was her stepbrother she met when she moved to this goddamn city. They got along fine, but Samuel was a bit older, and in college, studying European law, and he was gonna be someone big and important, and their relationship just…was. At least for now. 

He was the only person she could call, though, and clearly she was desperate enough to do so. She found his contact and clicked on it, taking a big breath. 

Samuel answered the video call quickly, and his big head and otter face filled the screen. He was in a hoodie, in his college room, it was dark as hell in there. 

"Henry, what's up?"

A warm, cozy feeling spread across her at the familiarity in his tone, the nickname he usually used for her, like they were actually family, and not a bit more than strangers connected through Martin. It was a silent agreement on both sides, Samuel could call her Henry, and she could call him Sam, and if people around them hearing this sometimes switched their genders, they'd just laugh about it and move on.

"Hey. You busy?"

"Not really, no." He put some popcorn in his mouth. "Just playing some Witcher."

"It's Friday night."

"Yes. That's why I'm playing the Witcher."

She smiled a bit. Sam was both a gift sent from heaven and the most inconvenient part of her newfound adulthood. A brother she never expected. With her parents, Radzig, Sam, Skalitz, Prague, her whole life was messier than Eurovision. 

"I need help. Radzig wants me to go meet Hanzel Capon, you know her?"

Sam nodded, stoic as usual, putting more popcorn into his mouth. 

"She's a relative of Hanush, right? That rich man who's always near your dad."

"Yes. And Radzig organized a dinner for us two. And I don't know what to wear. I don't even want to go."

"Why not? She's pretty. You like pretty girls."

She rolled her eyes. Somehow, Samuel, the stepbrother she wasn't even slightly blood related to, was also the only significant person in her life she was out to, and he wore it like a badge of honor. 

"This isn't a date, Sam."

"Well then, what are you stressed out about? Show me the options." He gestured with his hand, like a fashion critic. "And they better be good."

She sighed, and put the phone on the nightstand, rested against the wall. She straightened up, did a little spin. Sam was watching her through the screen with an absurd intensity, his brow furrowed, eyes focused. 

"No. I hate this."

"What, why?"

"You don't even look like yourself. Where did you buy that shirt?"

She looked down. 

"I think I got it from Radzig."

"Yeah, it shows."

"What the fuck was that supposed to mean?"

Sam ate more popcorn, leaning against the wall of his room and looking like he hasn't showered in days, yet critiquing her outfit with the utmost seriousness. 

"It's too…elegant, fancy, I don't know. You're more casual."

"Well, the place we're going to is nice. I wanna look nice."

"You can look nice and be yourself. Go change." He picked up the PlayStation pad, his eyes locked on the screen that was out of frame. "Do better."

She groaned, but obliged, turning the camera off for the time being. She went back to the closet, looking through her everyday clothes. She couldn't go in a work uniform, God damnit. Or a fandom shirt. 

She found a different button up, a bit more loose, but the collar was close to her neck. Same jeans. She turned the camera back on. Samuel was fighting wolves on the other side of the call. 

"How about this one?"

Sam paused the game, picked up his phone to look closely. He inspected the outfit for a few moments, in silence.

"I don't like the collar. You still look…uncanny."

"What does that even mean, asshole?"

"I don't know, maybe it's because I know you and how you normally dress. This doesn't speak to me."

Henrietta groaned once again, running her hands through her hair. 

"I must remind you this isn't a date."

"How do you know? Maybe you guys will end up liking each other more than planned."

"She's straight, and almost surely homophobic."

Sam huffed. 

"Why? Cause she's white, blonde, and rich? Such prejudice would take you nowhere in this case. She might be a sweet, woman-loving girl on the inside, and you never know."

Jesus, the law side of him was so annoying. 

"She posts photos with guys."

"So do you. All your Instagram photos are what, Matt and Fritz, earlier that Theresa girl, and you have one photo with me."

"You're my brother!"

"She doesn't know that. And for all we know, the guys in her pics might be a solid group of cousins she likes to drag around Prague. You never know."

Henrietta turned off the camera again, exhaling loudly as she had to change again, because clearly, there was no out-talking Sam. 

Alright, simple. Casual. Something she'd wear on a normal day, or a hookup date, but not so obvious. 

She went for a big button-up with short sleeves, covered in a pretty Japanese pattern, dark and stylish. She left it unbuttoned. A black T-shirt underneath to get it all together, and dark jeans, maybe her Vans. No, her Doc Martins, that's more suitable for a restaurant. Her tattoos were visible now, she had a patchwork sleeve on the entire right arm. She started getting tattoos after moving into the city, and she couldn't stop. At one point, it was the only thing she looked forward to. She tried talking Sam into getting some matching tattoos, but the man avoided them like fire, and she wasn't rude enough to ask if this was about his faith or not. 

They were from different worlds, different cities, mothers, religions, genders, they were good at different things, and even liked different food. The first time they met, after Radzig helped her find out if Martin had anyone in Prague, they sat down in a shitty McDonald's in the city centre and looked at their meals. Sam ordered like three big portions of fries and nothing else, just that shitty creamy sauce. And then he asked if she likes video games, and in a minute they were discussing their favorite bosses in Elden Ring, and which ending they got in Cyberpunk on their first playthrough. Henrietta got The Star.

She straightened her clothes, turning the camera back on.

"Alright, how about this?"

She stepped back, showing Sam the outfit, and he finally smiled, nodding. 

"Yes, yes, that's what I'm talking about. You look incredibly gay."

Dumb prick. 

"I don't intend on looking gay, this isn't a date!"

"Whatever, you look nice. And like yourself, finally!"

"I have no idea what it means. I always look like myself, because I'm always myself."

Samuel clicked his tongue. 

"Henry, just trust me on this. And get a cool jacket, you have tons of them."

She nodded, rubbing her eyes. 

"Yeah, yeah."

"Oh, maybe that Formula One thing. That's a gay ass jacket."

"Get fucked and bye, Sam."

He laughed softly, nodding. 

"Bye, have fun there."

"I'll try. And thanks, I guess."

She hung up, breathing deeply. Alright. The red and black F1 jacket she got in a thrift store and cherished as her child. Fine. She did look good in it. 

She didn't have to look good, though. Why was this so important? She wanted to feel nice, and looking good helped with that. And maybe, just maybe, she'd like to show that rich girl some working-class charm. She might be a daughter of a wealthy businessman now, but she grew up in the countryside, watching her father smith horseshoes and riding her bike into the sunset every summer evening. Her mom would scold her when she'd come back, as it was dark already, and Henrietta would roll her eyes and just cuddle up to Martin on the couch, watching old episodes of Friends as he napped before dinner. 

She had to blink faster to get rid of the tears that threatened to spill out. Grief was like glitter. Every time she thought she had gotten rid of it, she'd find some small spots on her clothes in the middle of the day, and she needed a moment, a breath, to get herself together. 

She petted Mutt and left the apartment, putting a cigarette into her mouth as she walked down the stairs. She was in no mood to do this today. Or ever, really. If she could only occasionally call Samuel and Radzig, and hope her old friends didn't forget her, and think about Theresa late at night, when she regretted everything, maybe she'd be fine. Maybe she could live like this, coming home to Mutt, and cursing that old hag at work every day, and she could go out during weekends, pretend to have fun at the club, and ask the pretty, shy girl there if she lives far. Maybe she could do life this way. And maybe one day she won't care enough anymore to feel sorry for herself.

She needed to quit cigs, start working out again, eat better, drink more water, start a saving account, journal, go back to therapy, ask for a raise, she needed to do everything all at once, and yet she was stuck doing this, nothing, smoking as she waited for the tram to come, looking at the street, the couples, families, groups of students and old ladies gossiping, and wishing she'd disappear already. Wishing she could just take a break. From everything. 

She put the cig out and threw it into the trash, got on the tram, and took out her phone. She found the contact she created while on her walk with Mutt. 

hey, it's henrietta here. are you still up for tonight? 

If Hanzel didn't show up, that is going to be a sign from God that nothing in Henrietta's life will ever go right again, and she expected that to happen. She looked out the window, but the response was almost immediate. 

yep

No hello, no nothing. Oh, alright, Miss Important. Was Henrietta talking to the president? Or maybe the pope? Hanzel Capon seemed not to have any time or care for answering the lower social class, some…peasants. Great. 

She tapped the side of her phone, thinking if she should text something more, but another text came through. 

ill be late probably

Great. Amazing. Fucking amazing. Henrietta sighed as she typed the response. 

we have a reservation at 8:30, my dad made it :)

God, she felt pathetic. She hated talking to people like this, it made her feel like the most embarrassing person alive just because she was stating some facts. The nonchalant epidemic and the irony rooted deep into their generation was funny at times, but fucking annoying as well. 

No, fuck the smiley face. She left it bare, as a statement, no emotions, no excitement shown, because she wasn't excited about this, she was nervous, and felt a bit sick, though it might be due to the cigarette she smoked after a whole day of not eating much and surviving mainly on coffee.

Hanzel texted back after a minute. 

ok

What an arrogant dickhead.

She took a big breath, calming herself down. 

She put the phone into her jacket pocket, looking out the window. What the fuck was she doing? She was in Prague. In one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with a great queer scene, and she was miserable like a gay kid in eastern Poland in some shithole where the church was the main attraction. She was young. She considered herself at least somewhat attractive. She wasn't dumb. She should make the most out of her life, she had the resources to. But not the energy. Or the will. 

Ma and Pa were dead, and not even the biggest, brightest city in the whole galaxy could fix that. Nor her newfound biological father, nor even the sweet big brother that sometimes ignored her texts, but later called to ask what the hell she wanted when he was attending classes. 

Damn glitter.

She got off the tram, put her hands in her pockets, walking to the restaurant. She saw it a few times from afar, never went in, though. She'd rather spent the money on better dog food for Mutt than herself.

The restaurant was so obviously expensive, she could smell the money as she walked in. Dark wood and plants everywhere, but still minimalistic, the fonts on the logo and the door were posh as fuck. She could see at least five big families with watches that could pay her rent for a month, and the waiters wore some avant-garde uniforms that were clearly uncomfortable to wear. 

"Welcome to Savoy Grace, how may I help you?"

Savoy Grace, what the fuck?

The young girl at the front desk smiled at her brightly, looking down at her, as her entire station was elevated absurdly high. Every person walking in had to look up so much, they'd lean back. Henrietta was six foot tall and her neck hurt, dammit.

"Hello, I had a reservation for two. Kobyla?"

The lady looked through the list, nodding.

"Yes, 8:30, table for two. Please proceed to the main hall, and our waiters will guide you to your table, Miss."

She nodded and walked past the front desk, still feeling the lady's eyes on her back. Henrietta fitted in here as well as an elephant fitted in a Fiat Punto. 

She was escorted to the table as if someone couldn't just tell her the number or general direction, and had to repeat three times that she didn't need anyone to take her jacket away. The table was in the corner, at least, and she sat with her back facing the wall, putting her hands together on her lap and looking around slightly.

She missed Mutt. She missed her warm bed and the cheap breadsticks she bought at the corner store, and rewatching Bojack Horseman and swiping through Tinder with her eyes half-focused. She missed being anywhere but here, in a place full of people who gave her a nasty look as she walked by. Couldn't they meet at a Starbucks? Or the park, so she could take Mutt on a walk and at least get something out of it? Radzig said something about Hanzel liking this place, so maybe he chose it for her, not Henrietta. Or maybe Hanush chose the place. She didn't know.

She looked through the menu and told the waiter she was still waiting for someone. He nodded with sympathy and some sort of pity in his eyes, and she wanted him gone this instant. 

Her phone buzzed, and the faint hope it was Hanzel texting her she's almost there vanished as she saw Radzig's contact on the screen.

How is it going? :D

She exhaled, rubbing her eyes. God help her.

she's not here yet. stop texting

Radzig just replied with a sad face emoji, but stopped texting her nevertheless. Dork.

For all the weirdness surrounding their relationship, all the years lost, and the awkwardness that followed, she wished for nothing more than to have him here now, and look at his polite smile and the same nose she had, and lean against him, and feel like she still had a dad, a new one, a different one, but a dad to hug her and tell her it's going to be okay, and make stupid jokes and embarrass her in front of her peers, like Martin loved to do. 

Oh, he loved it so much, he'd tease her whenever Matthias and Fritz were around, and when she brought home Theresa, he knew everything instantly, and brought up some stupid baby pictures of Henrietta to make Theresa laugh. And Theresa loved him, too, they could talk without speaking, and he'd always say she's the perfect person for his little girl, and Henrietta could cry from happiness everytime he asked if Theresa's coming for dinner.

But he was dead, and mom was buried with him, and the burning hole they left in her could not be filled by anyone, and Theresa couldn't take it anymore. And so Henrietta called her uncle, the family friend who was always around on Christmas and called on her birthday, and drove halfway across the country just to learn her entire family was a lie.

She saw Hanzel quickly enough to wipe her eyes, sniffing, clearing her throat. Get it together, dammit. You're not five years old anymore. 

She stood up, for some reason, looked up at the young woman approaching her, walking through the restaurant with just a little bit of haste. Not enough to show she cares.

She was gorgeous, obviously, Henrietta knew that already, but the view still stunned her as she could appreciate it in real life. Incredibly tall for a woman, long legs and narrow waist, defined arms. Long, blonde hair complementing her natural beauty, pale skin and bright eyes, cheekbones of a goddess. She could be a model, no doubt. 

Henrietta swallowed and offered her hand.

"Hey."

Hanzel seemed a bit confused at the gesture, but shook her hand briefly, sitting down and sighing. 

"Hi. You're Henrietta, right?"

Henrietta was the only one standing now, so she sat back down, moving a bit in place as she set her arms on the table, crossed. All the resentful energy she could feel emerging from the blonde girl made her a bit more on edge.

"I go by Henry sometimes. If you'd like to shorten it."

Hanzel raised her eyebrows, putting her purse down. 

"Isn't Rietta the usual nickname?"

"It is. But I hate it."

"Alright, fine. I'm Hanzel Capon."

She said it as a fact, more than an introduction, it seemed like it was an obvious statement, something Henrietta should already know. And she did, of course, but no one introduces themselves with such…indifference and arrogance at the same time.

Hanzel wore a yellow blouse that suited her nicely, and flare pants, looking somehow both feminine and masculine, her posture and gestures suggesting a bit of dominance, entitlement even. But maybe that's just a rich people thing.

"Nice to meet you."

"You're Kobyla's daughter, right?"

Straight to the point. God, Henrietta wanted to leave already.

"Uh, yeah. Radzig's my dad."

Hanzel crossed her arms on her chest, turning her head to the side. She had beautiful shoulders, quite broad, the long hair falling on them in silky strands, her right arm more defined under the material of the plain blouse. Archery, right. She liked archery.

"How come I never heard of you before? Radzig's been around Hanush ever since I can remember."

She looked down on the menu, shrugging a bit. They met thirty seconds ago, why was this woman so damn direct?

"It's a long story."

"What, you wanted some alimony so you could study in Prague?"

Henrietta gritted her teeth.

Nothing, nothing on Earth irritated her more than smug, cocky imbeciles that liked to assume things and thought themselves better than everyone else, and here comes the damn princess, probably shitting money, looking her up and down like she could smell the forge Henrietta grew up in.

"I'm not in college. And it's a long story."

Hanzel huffed.

"I bet. I always thought Radzig was gay, and boom, a grown daughter appears."

What the fuck? Jesus.

Henrietta sighed, looking up at her again.

"Don't you think it's quite tactless and rude to say things like that to a person you just met?"

Hanzel raised her hands in defence, chuckling.

"Damn, sorry. I didn't know it was a sensitive topic."

What a fucking asshole.

"You're not entitled to my whole family history."

"Alright, alright." Hanzel picked up the menu, running a hand through her hair. "You ordered something already?"

Henrietta looked down, pressing the bridge of her nose with her fingers.

"Not yet, I was waiting for you."

"Cool."

They were painfully silent for the next few minutes, looking through the menus, although Henrietta knew what she wanted already. She couldn't be bothered to look up at the woman in front of her, so she read through each description of every weird, fancy meal she could order in this place.

She calmed herself down a bit, breathing. Radzig wanted her to do this. He wanted her to make a good impression, and maybe become colleagues with this lady. They were adults. Adults can have a normal conversation and then occasionally send each other birthday wishes. That's all there is.

The waiter came by, with a polite smile and a small notebook. Hanzel looked him up and down with a slight smile on her face. Alright, he was cute. And he liked the attention. Henrietta just sighed and ordered with a steady tone.

"The halloumi with honey and a Caesar salad, please. And some water."

"Sparkling? Still? Iced? Czech or…"

"Just tapwater, please. Not iced, or anything. Thank you."

Hanzel asked four questions about one meal, just to get a different one, laugh at the cheesy joke the waiter said, and order a glass of wine. The guy took their menus and left with a smile on his face. The blonde personification of smugness made his day.

Hanzel leaned on the table, looking at her, with her head resting on her hand.

"So, what do you do? You're in Radzig's business?"

Henrietta sighed, taking off her jacket and setting it on her chair.

"I'm a car mechanic."

Hanzel raised her eyebrows.

"Oh, really? What shop?"

"Tuchov and Sons. I'm just an apprentice now, though."

Must she always downplay everything she did like this? Samuel told her once that she had an autocorrect in her brain, whenever she meant to say anything about her life, the word "just" appeared, as if trying to make the sentence more easy to swallow. As if saying she was an apprentice after moving to a brand new city and learning the skills from the ground up was somehow a lie, even though that's exactly how it went.

"So, what, you tune cars or something?"

She sighed.

"Mostly replacing air filters and wiper blades, checking and topping off fluids, assisting with brake jobs."

Hanzel nodded.

"Do you guys use OBD-II scanners to read trouble codes? While running diagnostics."

Henrietta blinked, taken aback.

"Uh, yeah, usually."

"Cool."

Alright, so Hanzel liked cars beyond posting pictures with them. That's a fun piece of information. It could be a nice conversation starter if she didn't check her phone right away, not saying anything more, as Henrietta looked at her, not sure what to do now.

Their drinks came, and Hanzel smiled at the waiter again. He was on cloud nine and promised to deliver the food quickly. Hanzel took a sip of her wine, sitting more relaxed.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, is Henry a choice?"

Henrietta blinked again, swallowing her water. It was cold as hell, and sparkling, the waiter didn't listen to her at all.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you want people to call you that?"

She shrugged.

"It's shorter than Henrietta. And a bit more modern. My brother calls me that."

Hanzel turned her head to the side.

"You have a brother? I didn't know Radzig had other kids."

Oh, here we fucking go.

"He's not Radzig's." She said, and before Hanzel could open her mouth again, took a big breath and explained further. "And no, it's not like we have the same mother, different fathers, it's…complicated. I'm not even blood-related to him. But yeah, he's…my brother."

Hanzel found this fascinating. 

"Oh, now you have to tell me everything, this is some sort of a family labyrinth instead of a family tree. You guys sound like Targaryens."

Henrietta frowned a bit, disgusted. She hoped Hanzel didn't mean the inbreeding.

She wiped her face with her hand, gathering strength. Fine. She could not escape this, so here it comes.

"I grew up in Skalitz. That's a village North-East of here. My father was a blacksmith, my mom took care of the house, and I was an only child."

Hanzel listened, confused, as the information didn't match the rest of Henrietta's story at all.

"Radzig was a blacksmith?"

"Let me finish."

"Alright."

She took a big breath, looking down at her hands.

"My parents died almost two years ago, and Radzig was always a friend of the family. But he lives here, in Prague, and has for many years. And so I called him, and he wanted to help, and it turned out I'm actually his daughter. My…previous dad met my mom later, and they married. And raised me."

God, it sounded so bad.

"My, uh, my first dad, Martin, knew about it. It was an agreement. That's all." She said, as if that made it any better. "But, yeah, now my parents are gone, and Radzig told me the truth, and I moved here to be closer to him."

Hanzel blinked, breathing out loudly.

"Damn. That's some complicated backstory." She looked at her, her eyes showing a bit of actual empathy for a moment. "I'm sorry about your parents, Henry."

Henrietta swallowed and nodded, forced a smile.

"Thanks. Anyway, I have Radzig now, and he's a good father. And I have Sam, that's…another story completely."

"Sam?"

"My brother."

"Oh. Go on."

Did she really want to listen, or was she just in the mood for gossiping? Henrietta couldn't tell. But she sighed and spoke.

"I asked Radzig to check if my, uh, adoptive father had anyone in Prague, cause he used to live here too, and he called a few people. Turns out, Martin had a son he didn't know about, from the time he was in college here. That's Samuel. So, I have a stepbrother because his biological dad was my adoptive dad. He's older than me."

Hanzel nodded, trying to get her head around it all.

"Is he nice?"

That's not a question Henrietta expected, but it was a bit heartwarming to hear, nevertheless.

"Yeah, he's alright. We keep in touch."

"What about your mom? Did she have someone in Prague?"

Henrietta shook her head slightly.

"No, unfortunately, no. No extended family either, so…it's just me, Radzig, and Sam now."

It must've sounded so messy in Hanzel's head. She was from a rich family, where every marriage was an official, orchestrated event, every offspring born with a proper name and responsibilities to come in the future. Twenty-first century, yet some class differences stayed the same. 

"Well, at least you got an older brother out of it. Is he cute?"

Jesus, fuck. All the empathy out the window. Henrietta groaned slightly.

"He's my damn brother."

"I know, but objectively. Cute or not?"

"What, you're looking for a husband? I thought Hanush could not make you settle down without God's help first."

Hanzel shrugged, crossing her arms again. Nice boobs too, Christ, Henrietta was going to Hell for noticing.

"I mean, I'm always happy to meet a handsome gentleman."

"He's not your type, believe me."

"How so?"

"He's a law student. And a Jew, not that it matters, but he's pretty religious, too. The epitome of a proper citizen. Not exactly the party type."

Hanzel chuckled, and, fuck, that's a sweet laugh there. She had a pleasant voice and a bright smile. Too bad she's such a prick.

"So you take me for a party type, Henry?"

She took a sip of her wine, watching her, her blue eyes half-lidded as she let her head lean down towards her chest. Fuck.

She kept using the nickname, and every time Henrietta's stomach twitched a bit, her cheeks felt warm all of a sudden.

"I saw your Instagram."

"Oh, so you prepared. How charming."

Fuuuuuck.

This woman was almost surely straight, and she was either a tease or a proper, actual bitch to flirt with her, if she sensed the queer vibes Henrietta gave off everywhere she went. She hoped she didn't right now, but come on. She couldn't just turn it off, she was a queer woman, she acted accordingly and looked the part. Not that queerness had a specific look to it, but there's a reason all the female baristas at Starbucks always flirted with her. It was pretty obvious.

She sighed a bit when the food came. She thanked the waiter and smiled nicely, hoping it would show Hanzel she appreciated his pretty face and big arms as much as the blonde girl did.

They started eating, and Hanzel ordered more wine. Shit, the halloumi was amazing. Maybe it was worth the damn money after all.

"What kind of a name is Hanzel, if you don't mind?" She asked, changing the subject and looking up at the young woman while taking a sip of her water. "I've heard of Hazel, but not Hanzel."

Hanzel shrugged.

"I don't know. My dad named me."

"He never told you the reason? It's quite unique."

"He died before I could speak."

Shit. 

"Oh, sorry." Henrietta swallowed, moving the food around the plate. "How did it happen?"

"What's it to you?"

She blinked, taken aback by the harsh tone.

"God, sorry. You asked about my family, so I assumed…"

"I don't wanna fucking talk about it."

Henrietta exhaled slowly. Calm down, calm down. Calm…

"Well, you made me talk about it, even when I didn't want to, which was a pretty bitchy thing to do."

Hanzel huffed, her eyes irritated.

"No one forced you, stop whining."

Henrietta let out a small laugh, almost shocked at the amount of arrogance that flew out of Hanzel's mouth so effortlessly. Alright. So Henrietta wasn't fascinating anymore, and her family tragedy wasn't a cool story to listen to, because she didn't have any more lost siblings and bastards in the family, and now Hanzel was bored and offended at the fact that she had to spend time with her. Fine. Asshole.

"I'm not your little pet, you know? I'm a human being. Don't treat me as your entertainment."

Hanzel sipped her wine, she hasn't stopped eating, as if the tension in the air didn't reach her at all.

"Don't worry, most of my entertainment is at least a bit funny. You have a stick up your ass."

Was this girl fucking serious?

"Excuse me?"

"Just relax a bit, Jesus Christ."

Henrietta gritted her teeth, looking at the careless, smug blonde with a tense jaw.

She tried. Radzig could not say she didn't, she was as kind as she could, she dressed up, and came here, and tried to start a conversation, didn't she? But some people, it seems, are just fucking cunts.

"I don't think we're going to be friends."

Hanzel looked up, still eating.

"That's fine."

She chewed, as Henrietta looked at her, not blinking, eyes angry and disappointed, and a bit disgusted. She sighed, straightening up, licking her lips.

"I'm sorry. I'm not normally this…"

"Bitchy?"

Hanzel huffed, but smiled a bit, nodding.

"Yeah, I guess. I didn't mean to be this unpleasant." She took a big sip of her wine, finishing the glass. "But, well, I guess we're just not really compatible, and I can't say I'm surprised."

At least she was honest.

"I agree."

"All things considered, our…guardians are close, so let's just wrap this up and tell them it's all good, okay?" She raised her eyebrows, clearly tired of this dinner. "We can remain civil."

Henrietta nodded, her eyes finally looking down, not piercing a hole through Hanzel's skull.

"Fine. My dad says he'll pay me back for this dinner, so…"

"Good. I can cover the tip."

As if that was anywhere near close to the bill that Henrietta will get, but fine. Rich people had a tendency to think in other categories. She had no energy to argue over money right now.

They finished eating in silence, and Henrietta paid with her card, forcing a smile as the waiter announced the payment went through. Of course it did, what did he expect? That she's going to run away through the bathroom window?

She took her jacket, searched for her cigarettes as soon as they left the restaurant. It was late now, forty minutes until midnight, and the city was loud and scruffy on the Friday evening. She looked at Hanzel as she lit her cigarette. 

"Do you live far? I could walk you home."

Hanzel blinked, surprised, but nodded.

"I'd appreciate it. And no, I don't live that far. It's still the city centre."

Of course she could afford to live in the heart of the city. She probably ate breakfasts in places like this fuckass restaurant.

"Come on then."

They walked through the street, Hanzel guiding her with a simple hand gesture, silent. She kept stealing glances at Henrietta, though, and it was utmost strange. She didn't have a jacket, she shivered slightly, her blouse was thin. Henrietta put the cigarette out, sighing.

"Do you want my jacket?"

She shouldn't care, but she considered herself a gentlewoman, and even if Hanzel was a rude, entitled rich asshole, it would be a shame if she got sick. Hanzel nodded and thanked her quietly when Henrietta took off her F1 jacket and offered it to her.

It was always a nice sight, a beautiful girl in her clothes, but she looked away, putting her hands in her jeans pockets. Hanzel threw her long hair on her back, zipping up the jacket. She wore Nike shoes that looked brand new. Thank God, she'd kill herself with heels on this steep road. 

Did she even wear heels normally? Or occasionally, even? She was taller than many men. She'd be a skyscraper with some big heels on. She probably looked breathtaking in dresses, if she wore them.

It was rare to meet a woman taller than herself, and Henrietta couldn't pretend it wasn't interesting. She preferred her women taller, but it was more of a fantasy thing most of the time. Finding a woman over six foot tall, a queer woman, at that, was quite hard. She usually was the taller one of the pair, with all of her hookups. And with Theresa.

They stopped by a cornerstore, and Henrietta asked her to wait outside for a moment. She was crashing, and she didn't want to fall asleep in the tram on her way home, a quick Red Bull should do the trick.

She went to the register, said hello to the young man working the night shift. 

"Do you have the membership card?"

"No."

"What about the application? It could give you a discount."

"Not on energy drinks, the points don't count then. Same with alcohol."

The man raised his eyebrows, scanning the items, a single Red Bull and a pack of gum.

"Really? Damn."

The door opened, and Hanzel stuck her head inside.

"Henry, can you buy me a pack of silver L&Ms? Thanks."

She went back outside before Henrietta could answer, and closed the door behind her. Henrietta sighed, rolled her eyes, pointing at the cigarette stand behind the cashier.

"Silver L&Ms, please."

The cashier chuckled, scanning the pack.

"Picky girl, huh?"

"Not mine."

"Oh, really? First date?"

She exhaled, rubbing her neck as she prepared her card.

"You could say that."

"Is it going well?"

"Not really, no."

The cashier gave her the items, smiling, as he found it all way too amusing. She swiped the card.

"You into guys, too? If it doesn't work out."

"Don't go there, dude."

He chuckled and nodded, giving her the receipt.

She took the things, said goodbye to him, and left, taking a big breath once she was outside. She held everything in one hand, hiding her wallet with the other one, as she looked around. Hanzel was nowhere to be seen.

"I told you already, let me go!"

She followed the noise around the corner, frowning. 

Hanzel was pushing away a much older man who was clearly hammered, and kept walking up to her even though he was barely standing. God, Henrietta could smell the alcohol from three meters away.

"What does…such a lov-lovely lady doing here on her own, huh?" He smiled, trying to wrap an arm around Hanzel put she pushed him off. "You have…nice…hair."

"Didn't you hear her, asshole?"

He looked up as Henrietta approached them, Hanzel pushed him away, taking a step back.

"What, there's two of you?" The man laughed, pleased with himself. "Two lovely ladies!"

"Hold this for me, will you?" Henrietta handed her things to Hanzel, and the blonde girl accepted them without a word. "The lady told you to fuck off, didn't you hear?"

The drunk wanted to say something, but he took a step forward, a bit too close again. He didn't take another one, though.

Hanzel flinched a bit as Henrietta punched the guy so hard he collapsed on the ground, groaning and holding his nose. The sound of the punch echoed on the empty street, the strength of it surprising both the creepy dude and Hanzel, who locked her eyes on Henrietta as she flexed her fingers, breathing out.

"Get lost, asshole."

"You broke my fuc-fucking nose!"

"Be glad it's not your neck."

The man stood up, although he almost tripped again, moving away from them as if Henrietta was the death plague itself.

"I'm calling the police!"

"Sure." She took the things back from Hanzel, who stood in place with her eyes wide open. "Oh, sorry, your cigs. Here."

She handed her the pack as the man ran away, holding his precious nose and bumping into walls. He disappeared in an alley, fucking coward.

Hanzel blinked, looking at her in silence, holding the pack of cigarettes close to her chest. Henrietta frowned.

"What's wrong? Are you alright?"

Hanzel breathed out, her eyes wandering across Henrietta's face.

"Thank you. That was…"

She swallowed, not finding the words. Hot. That was fucking hot. Henrietta put her hand on her shoulder.

"Did he hurt you?"

"No, no. Uh…" Hanzel took a big breath, and her eyes darkened a bit. "Are you into girls?"

Henrietta raised her eyebrows and blinked slowly.

The rich, entitled asshole that was Hanzel Capon had a mahogany door, and Henrietta made note of that as her back hit it, pressed against the surface with the enitre length of Hanzel's body as the blonde kissed her hard, holding her face in her hands, greedy and impatient. Of course she was impatient. Everything served on a silver platter, always.

She could hear the lock click softly as Hanzel reached behind her, locking them inside the apartment. She put one hand to the left of Henrietta's head, leaning down slightly, entering her mouth with her tongue as it was her God given right to do so. Henrietta unzipped the stupid jacket that was still on Hanzel's body and let it fall on the ground, her hands grabbing her waist instantly. Her Red Bull rolled on the floor, somewhere. They kicked off their shoes.

She pushed her back, biting her lower lip, panting softly as Hanzel guided them through the flat. God, she was so warm, and made the sweetest sounds, and tasted like heaven and wine, and her hands explored Henrietta's shoulders and back with such shameless interest.

Henrietta cursed as she tripped on something, holding onto Hanzel and looking down. She raised her eyebrows.

"You have a fucking rabbit?"

Hanzel gently pushed the animal with her foot, making it hop away to the big, modern living room. It was basically a brown ball of fur on small legs and with big, black eyes, and it did not care about the sudden company of another human being. The rabbit hopped through the room and under the couch.

"Yeah. You're allergic, or something?"

"No."

"Good."

Henrietta moaned softly as she was kissed again, pulled in with a tight grip on her waist. She let her hands go lower, grabbing Hanzel's ass through her pants, one hand going into the back pocket. She could feel her shiver slightly at the touch.

They were finally in the bedroom, Hanzel kicked the door shut so the bunny wouldn't follow them. The room was probably half the size of Henrietta's entire flat, but she didn't have the time to explore now, as Hanzel pushed her onto the bed, straddling her hips and kissing her neck.

She let her head fall on the bed, arch her back slowly. Hanzel's hands were everywhere, one already under her black t-shirt, grabbing her boob softly, the thumb going over the nipple hidden under the sports bra's material. Capon was greedy as hell.

"Wait."

Hanzel moved back, blinking, breathing through her mouth. Henrietta had to elevate herself on her elbows and swallow to articulate a thought.

"Where's your bathroom? I don't want to touch you with dirty hands."

Hanzel sighed, a clear relief on her face. She pointed to the right, to a slightly open door. She had a bathroom connected to her bedroom?

"Fuck, right. Uh, right there. I'll go use the guest one."

Henrietta blinked.

"You have two bathrooms?"

"Yes."

"Jesus Christ."

Hanzel smacked her shoulder lightly, getting off her lap. Henrietta stood up, straightening her clothes.

"Just go. Shut up."

Henrietta chuckled softly, walking to the door. The room was absurdly big for a bedroom, and Hanzel had an enormous bed with a canopy. She was a princess after all.

The bathroom was normal, thank God, and Henrietta could wash her hands in peace. She washed her face as well, trying to calm down as she looked at herself in the mirror.

What the fuck?

The heat between her legs was making it hard to think. But fuck, fuck, fucking God. What the Hell was happening? Whatever. Alright. No, not alright, fuck, no. Yes. No. Yes, definitely yes.

Fuck it, she'll figure it out tomorrow.

She walked back into the bedroom, and Hanzel was already back on the bed, waiting for her. God, what a sight she was. Henrietta could wage wars for that waist alone.

She took off her t-shirt on her way to the bed, throwing it on the ground as she settled between Hanzel's bent legs, kneeling on the edge of the bed. She kissed her neck, her collarbone, undoing her blouse, and smiled into her skin as Hanzel grabbed her hair.

The bra she was wearing was probably more expensive than all Henrietta's bras combined. It was damn good, though, fitted and soft, black, with a lace that made Henrietta gasp a bit. She pushed the blouse off her shoulders and used her teeth to pull one string of the bra down as well. Feminine, then. At least tonight, that is.

She kissed her chest slowly, licking the nipples, smiling as they stood up slightly. She pressed her lips to Hanzel's sternum, feeling her heartbeat.

God, she smelled incredible. Some sort of a flowery perfume with a solid, earthy smell underneath, like a rainy forest. She hid her face in Hanzel's neck, breathing in, listening to her moan quietly as their hips collided, grinding against each other. Henrietta slid her hand down her body, between her legs, feeling her through her clothes.

The fabric was damp already, and so warm her lips curved into a smile on their own.

"You get wet fast."

"Shut up."

She chuckled, let Hanzel take off her sports bra, and watched her undo her own as well. She knelt back on her heels, her hands unbuttoning Hanzel's trousers. Hanzel sat up, kissing her, adoring her boobs, pushing her jeans off with a growl. Henrietta unbuttoned them with one hand and kicked them off, staying only in her boxers and pulling Hanzel's flare pants off in one swift move.

Hanzel looked at her almost naked body, her eyes shamelessly landing on the boxers, her hand touching her through them. She exhaled with a moan as she felt the body hair.

"Oh, thank God above."

Henrietta laughed, a bit surprised, but not opposed, as Hanzel flipped them around and pressed her into the bed, pulling her boxers off with both hands, greedy and impatient.

"You like a woman with a bush, or what?"

"You have no idea."

Hanzel threw away her boxers, kissing her stomach, settling between her legs, her hands on her thighs, pushing them up. She looked up at Henrietta, who grabbed her blond hair, pulling it out of her face.

"Hand me a pillow."

Henrietta obliged, giving her one of the many pillows that rested against the headboard and huffed as Hanzel lifted her hips to fit the pillow underneath for a better angle. They locked eyes again, panting, Hanzel bit on her thigh, her tongue going over the mark in a second.

"Henry, can I…?"

"Yes."

The one word was everything she needed to proceed, throwing her hair on her back and placing Henrietta's hand on her head, so she could hold it. She leaned in, helping herself with her fingers, pressing her mouth against her core with a warm exhale that made Henrietta shiver.

Dear Lord.

Henrietta let her head fall back, breathing deeply, one hand in Hanzel's hair as she kissed the outside of her vulva first, almost savoring her, her finger pushing the flesh gently to expose more. Then her tongue, hot and wet, pressed against her clitoris, and yes, fuck, however bad the regret of tomorrow will be, this was worth it.

She gasped for air, her eyes fluttering. Hanzel's fingers slipped inside her, one at a time, she was embarrassingly wet and ready for them. Hanzel crooked the first two, her mouth sucking on the clit, her tongue brushing over it quickly, the pressure making Henrietta see stars for a second. 

She grabbed her hair firmer, breathing deeply, a soft moan escaping her lips as Hanzel moved her head to slip her tongue inside her, her fingers circling the clitoris. She hummed, and the vibrations of the noise went through Henrietta's entire body, her lower stomach feeling heavier and warmer.

She gently rocked her hips against her face, needy, and Hanzel took it, her tongue tasting her as if she were starving to death. She spit, swallowed, moving her fingers back in after a few minutes, her jaw feeling a bit tired. She kissed her abdomen, the thumb of her hand pressing and stimulating the clit more, and Henrietta had the blessing of being really sensitive there, even more so than most women. She used to think it was a curse, but no, usually it meant she could come quicker, if the pressure was just right, and headaches and anxiety didn't block the blissful finish either. Hanzel kissed the sweet spot again, looking up at her, her lips shiny and eyes dark.

"Do you like toys?"

Henrietta nodded. Hanzel's fingers were still fucking her mercilessly, her hand working wonders.

"Yeah, yes."

She groaned when Hanzel took her fingers out, wiped them on the covers like some damn brute. They should've laid a towel down. But then again, not Henrietta's bed, not Henrietta's problem.

Hanzel reached her bedside table, took out a small box, leaving the drawer open. She opened the box, throwing it aside, a small, purple vibrator left in her hands, as she knelt back between Henrietta's legs, her mouth returning to its meal.

Henrietta took a big breath as she heard the soft hum of the toy and closed her eyes, pushing her head back into the pillows. Hanzel's tongue was inside her again, her fingers pushing the hood of her clit up and quickly running over the toy's tip to make it slippy. And then she gently pressed the vibrator against her clitoris, circling it around the spot, listening to her reactions and feeling her muscles twitch.

"Oh, fuck, fuck…" Henrietta moaned, elevating herself on her free hand, the other one still holding Hanzel's hair. She rocked her hips against her, looking down, her eyes almost black with desire, her body needy and restless, chest rising up and down in attempts to draw some air inside. "Fuck…"

Her eyes rolled back a bit, she was panting now, and the noises were making it all worse, Hanzel eating her out with so much passion and the damn toy vibrating and sliding over her clit, and Hanzel was moaning too, she could see her move her hips slightly, in search of some friction against the bed, the covers. 

She could feel the heat and sweet heaviness build up in her abdomen, all her nerves tensing up, her head falling back. Hanzel wasn't slowing down, and she could definitely feel how Henrietta's pussy tightened and twitched, her entire body begging for release, for that sweet wave, for just a bit more, just a tiny bit more, and…

She moaned loudly, almost cried out her name, seeing white for a moment, her head light, every muscle in her body relaxing. She pulled Hanzel's head away, and she stopped, moving back, taking the vibrator away, and turning it off. Henrietta collapsed onto the bed, panting, covering her face with her hands.

She stayed like this, hissed, when Hanzel wiped her clean with a wet tissue she got from the same drawer. Her legs gave out and laid flat on the bed, and Hanzel joined her, giving her a moment to gather herself up.

"Henry."

Henrietta blinked, looking at her, her face satisfied, her eyes hazy.

"You say it so sweetly." She whispered, before the post-nut clarity could hit her, and the guilt and shame that usually followed made her forget she was feeling so good just moments before. Hanzel smiled, kissing her softly, slowly. She tasted like her. "Mm, that was nice."

Hanzel caressed her tattooed arm, inspecting the artworks for a moment, until she looked up again.

"Do you want water?"

"Uh, yeah, I could use some."

Hanzel got up, and Henrietta could not lift her head to see where she went. She could hear her talking to the rabbit in the corridor, though. She smiled, licking her lips.

She sat up slowly when Hanzel returned with a glass of water in her hand. She accepted the glass, drinking.

"Thanks." She gave the water back, breathing deeply, and Hanzel got a few sips too, before putting in on the sidetable. "Come here."

She pulled Hanzel in, one hand on her neck, the other grabbing her ass firmly, as she kissed her. She pulled the panties Hanzel wore down, fingers going over the lace. 

She put her on her back, pulling the underwear down to her ankles, and chuckling as she got it off completely.

"It's ruined, you know?" She pressed it to her mouth shortly, inhaling. "Fuck, you smell good."

Hanzel watched her do it, breathing through an open mouth, mesmerized. Henrietta spread her legs, kissing her thigh, her fingers spread the wetness over her whole pussy, she licked the access off her hand slowly.

Hanzel's hair was trimmed, blond, and thick, and Henrietta ran her fingers through it, her thumb pressing inside. She kissed her hip, looking up at her, watching her brows furrow and mouth open as she pushed the finger inside.

"What other toys do you have?"

Hanzel smiled smugly.

"A lot."

"Can you take a strap tonight?"

"Fuck, yes."

"Greedy."

She licked her fingers before she pressed them against her core again, looking down, watching her body swallow them eagerly. Hanzel made the sweetest noises, her lips red from her biting them, and cheeks flushed. Beautiful. Stunning.

She crooked her fingers and started moving them, her thumb going over her clitoris softly. She looked up at her face, her eyes, and couldn't stop looking, her blond hair all over the pillow, messy and tangled in places. She smiled as Hanzel moved her hips, fucking herself on her fingers.

"Such a good girl."

"Henry, for fuck's sake."

She laughed, seeing her irritated and horny at the same time, kissed her shoulder and twisted her wrist to go deeper. Hanzel gasped, her fingers digging into Henrieta's back.

She stretched her a bit, kissed her hungrily, sucked on her neck, until Hanzel whispered where exactly the strap was. She nodded, moving away and searching through the drawer. God, Hanzel could fill a sex shop with this collection, she was kind of jealous. She had maybe two vibrators and one strap for emergencies. Emergencies being bringing her hookup over to her place, instead of going to theirs.

She put the harness on, secured the dildo, giggling. Hanzel was experienced, and she liked to be fucked properly, alright. Good news.

She lifted her hips, putting the damn pillow under her, and Hanzel locked her legs around Henrietta's waist immediately, her back arched, her arms up, holding the bed frame. Henrietta spat on her hand, wetting the toy, she gathered some slickness from Hanzel, too, she had more than enough. She knelt, holding her hips up.

"Relax, baby."

Hanzel laughed, shaking her head.

"Fuck you."

That sweet, melodic laugh, God. Absolutely intoxicating.

She pushed the tip inside her slowly, watching her body react to it, caressing her side. Hanzel's eyes were closed, her brow furrowed, her mouth open, and she held her breath.

"I said, relax."

"Don't tell me what to do."

"Then don't make me mad."

Hanzel breathed out, her body relaxing slightly. Henrietta rolled her hips slowly, drawing out a long, shaky moan out of the blonde girl. She put her arms under her legs, spreading them more and pushing in deeper.

Hanzel gasped, putting one hand on Henrietta's forearm, licking her lips slowly.

"Go on."

So much entitlement in those two words; she was born to order people around. 

The bed swayed as Henrietta moved faster, the angle making Hanzel moan loudly, her eyes rolling back, and her back arching. Henrietta ran a hand over her chest, her stomach, up and down, touching and tracing, until her hand landed on her neck, holding her in place, but not choking. Hanzel let out a whimper, swallowing hard. What a fucking sight.

She fucked her harder, panting, the noises their bodies made obscene and only adding to the heat between them, and Hanzel was so wet, she soaked the covers. The moans, too, God, that perfect mouth of hers was creating sounds that could make decent Christians faint. 

It was quite satisfying, to do this after she was pissing Henrietta off the entire dinner. All of a sudden Hanzel was begging and pleading for her to go faster, and Henrietta could give it to her, and make her cry out her name louder.

She reached lower, touched her clit as she thrust the toy into her, and soon enough Hanzel was coming, her body twitching slightly and her pussy tensing up, her nipples perked. Henrietta fucked her through it and pulled out, careful to not overstimulate her. 

She took the harness off as Hanzel tried to catch her breath, laying on her side. She found the wet wipes, cleaned her gently, and laid next to her.

"Are you okay?"

Hanzel nodded, her cheeks flushed, her body relaxed.

"Yeah."

Henrietta hesitated for a moment, but decided to go for it and pushed the hair strands off her face, kissing her lips softly. Hanzel hummed, kissing back, though she hasn't opened her eyes at all, still exhausted. She looked adorable. Hot, and adorable, and beautiful. Henrietta shivered slightly, the room was quite cold, and completely dark. 

She wiped the toys clean, put them back to the drawer. Hanzel can wash them properly tomorrow, if she wants. Not their biggest problem now. She heard a hum behind her, not understanding fully.

"...right back."

She looked at Hanzel as the woman got off the bed, her long hair covering her silhouette. She walked to the joint bathroom, closed the door behind her.

Henrietta cleared her throat, drank the water on the bedside table. Fuck. Fuck, does she have to think with her pussy all the time? Stupid fucking idiot. 

It was way past 1 a.m. now, she was dirty, sweaty, on the other side of the town, with a girl she could not stand for more than fifteen minutes, and yes, the girl kissed amazingly, and ate her out better than anyone ever did, but fucking God. She wanted to scream at her at the damn restaurant, and then what? Then she hit someone, and Hanzel was all over her, and they barely made it to her big, beautiful, expensive apartment, and she had a rabbit. A fucking rabbit.

Shit, Mutt was home alone. As he was for the entire day, with the small break when she went on a run with him.

She found her underwear, put it on. She could hear the shower in the bathroom. Was Hanzel giving her more time to leave? She didn't say a word. Or maybe she did hum something, but Henrietta didn't hear. She did say something, right? Or no? She didn't remember now.

She found her phone on the floor, it fell out of her jeans pocket. She got dressed, walking to the corridor, almost tripped over the bunny again. She put her shoes on, picked her jacket from the floor and left, closing the door quietly.

She could feel the panic surge through her as she went down the stairs, she couldn't wait for the elevator now. God, this building was posh. White walls and some stupid silver decor everywhere.

She ordered an Uber and looked through her notifications, smoking and shaking like a newborn horse.

Mostly Radzig.

The restaurant's closed now, I assume it's over?

Rietta? 

Oh, maybe you girls went to a pub or some nice place :D I'm not interrupting, then.

I am interrupting again, it's been two more hours, I'm starting to think you guys killed each other! Ha! Ha! Hanush will go insane.

Alright, I hope I didn't predict anything there. It's after midnight already. Be safe. I can come and pick you up, just call me if you need anything, okay?

Or just text me when you're home. I'm getting worried here.

One text from Sam, too.

you were active almost six hours ago? tell me if you got her pregnant 

She exhaled, closing her eyes. She stank of sex and cigarettes, and it was dark, cold, and nasty tonight. She put the cig out as she saw her Uber. Got inside and started replying.

Hey, dad, sorry, I wasn't on my phone for a while. I'm fine, just getting home. Hanzel's fine too. I'll call you tomorrow.

Radzig answered almost immediately, he must have stayed up worried.

Okay, sweetheart, I'm glad you're alright, you had me worried there. Get some sleep and we'll talk in the morning.

And a smiley emoji as a separate text. Silly old man.

She decided to call Sam instead, she was panicking. She put the phone up to her ear, tapping her foot.

"Hello there. I was getting worried she wore you out completely."

"I slept with her."

Sam stayed quiet for a moment, and she could imagine his expression, confused and surprised, with that stupid mustache of his.

"I was joking about that, Henry, I didn't think you'd actually…"

"Yeah, well, that's what happened." She licked her lips nervously, looking out the window. "Fuck, Sam."

The driver looked at her in the mirror, but he didn't seem to understand her. He had a German flag on his dashboard, maybe an immigrant. Probably an immigrant. 

"Wait, walk me through it. How did it happen?"

"Quickly. I mean, not the sex, that was…" she sighed, rubbing her eyes. "We were at the restaurant, then I walked her home, some guy was being creepy so I chased him away, she asked me if I like girls, we fucked, I left when she was taking a shower."

Sam was quiet again.

"Jesus Christ. Don't you people have any grace? Restraint?"

"Sam, for the love of God!"

"Don't bring God into this. So you like her?"

"I don't."

"I don't follow."

Shit, neither did she.

"She's a prick. She's rude, and tactless, and entitled, a true fucking brat, that's what she is." The car stopped under her building. She thanked the driver and got out, searching for her keys and getting inside quickly. "And she has a pet rabbit."

"What's it called?"

"I have no fucking idea."

She opened her door and sighed at Mutt waking up from his sleep just to greet her. She scratched his head, kicking her shoes off.

"Will you tell Radzig?"

She huffed, raising her eyebrows.

"Will I tell my dad I fucked his friend's niece? What do you think?"

"Probably not, then."

"Probably not." She sat in the kitchen, back pressed against the wall, hand covering her forehead. "Sam, I'm just fucking lost. All the time, I'm so…I'm so confused and tired."

Maybe it was all the emotions of the day coming up in her chest, maybe it was the late hour, or Mutt laying down next to her, his big head on her foot, trying to comfort her. Maybe it was everything at once. Making her talk, and cry, and shiver.

"I'm sorry I called, but I just…you're my closest friend here, and I thought, I actually hoped, maybe this girl won't be that bad, and I can have someone I could call a friend, and my dad would be happy, and his colleague too, and I'd feel normal finally, but I don't, I fucked up, I slept with her, and she doesn't even like me, she said it herself. And she'll hate me now, and avoid me, and Hanush will be mad, and Radzig will be disappointed. And I'm so fucking tired of it all."

Sam listened, staying quiet for a moment. That was a great, amazing characteristic of his. He listened, not just waiting for his turn to speak, as many people did.

"Why do you say she doesn't like you?"

She sniffed, catching her breath.

"She said we're not compatible as friends, and I agreed, and I just…I feel so stupid now. Cause a part of me actually hoped someone would like to be my friend."

She sounded pathetic, God. Like a fifth grader. Not a grown woman, living alone in a big city, with a dog to take care of and a stable job.

"I consider myself your friend, Henry. Even if we're siblings, however complicated."

"You're just saying that."

"Do I ever say things just for the sake of saying them?"

She sniffed again, wiping her cheek with her free hand.

"No."

"There you go. So don't insult me like that, okay?"

She chuckled, nodding, even if he couldn't see that.

"Okay."

"Now, the other matter." He spoke calmly and methodically, like a true law student. "Are you this upset over the sex thing? Did that happen…without your consent?"

"No, no. I wanted to."

"Are you sure?"

She let her head against the wall, closing her eyes and breathing.

"Yes. She's gorgeous, and I just…I wasn't thinking clearly, but I wanted to. And it was great. I just wish it wasn't…her, you know. I can't figure her out. She was so mean at the dinner, and then…I don't know, we clicked for a while. And then didn't again, and I left."

Sam hummed, thinking. For a moment, they stayed quiet like this, breathing through the phone like some idiots.

"Henry?"

"Yeah?"

"Go to sleep."

She blinked, confused.

"What?"

"Go to sleep. You'll feel better in the morning, you're panicking and overthinking this. Just…drink some water and go to sleep. Oh, and take a shower, too."

She sniffed, scratching Mutt's big head.

"I don't know what to say to dad tomorrow."

"You'll decide on that tomorrow. That is a tomorrow problem."

She breathed out slowly, nodding. 

"Alright. Yes, I guess you're right."

"Go take a shower, relax, sleep, alright? It's not the end of the world. Things happen, and the world keeps spinning. Maybe you'll never see her again."

"Yeah, maybe." She rubbed her tired eyes. Fuck, she left her Red Bull at Hanzel's place. "Thanks, Sam."

"You're welcome. Text me if you need anything, alright?"

"Yeah, sure. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Maybe he was right. Maybe everything looked better in the morning.

She took Mutt out for a quick walk, just so he could piss and run around a street lantern. She took a shower, washed her hair, and ignored the hickeys on her neck, chest, and thighs. Put on a comfortable shirt and crawled into bed. Mutt slept by the door, guarding her.

She woke up and immediately regretted doing so.

Her head hurt, her thighs hurt. Fuck, she was out of shape, getting sore over one round of sex? Seriously? Her stomach felt as if she was working out all night. 

She rolled in bed, stretching a bit, groaning. Mutt was sitting by the bed, squeaking. 

"Give me a moment, Jesus." She sat up, rubbed her face. She checked the clock on her nightstand. It was past ten already. "I'll go out with you, just let me put some pants on. Five minutes, Mutt."

She walked to the toilet, got herself together. Found a relatively clean pair of jeans and put them on, and a black hoodie she got from Sam. His university hoodie. Charles the Fourth University of Prague.

She put a cig between her lips, whistled at Mutt as she put shoes on, her phone in her back pocket. She got him on the leash and left the building.

It was sunny and quite warm, thank God. She walked to the park, smoking to wake herself up. Mutt was grateful for the opportunity to finally mark some trees as his territory.

She checked her phone, walking slowly. Radzig called an hour ago, and she had some messages. Dad first.

She put the phone to her ear, sighing. Radzig answered after a few signals.

"Rietta, hello. Did I wake you?"

"No, I slept through your call, sorry. I'm awake now, though."

She petted Mutt on the head as he brought her a stick. Good boy.

"How was the meeting with Hanzel yesterday? You got home quite late." She could hear the smile on his face. "I assume you girls had fun?"

She sighed. She did feel a bit better after she slept, but now instead of clear, rushed panic, she just felt dread in her stomach.

"I guess. She's alright."

Radzig waited a moment.

"Just alright?"

"I don't know if we're going to be friends. We're completely different, Dad." She rubbed her eyes, watching some kids play in the park, Mutt wagging his tail next to her. "It's a bit complicated."

"Oh. I see. Well then, not to worry."

She blinked, confused.

"What? You're not mad at me?"

Radzig laughed softly, his tone warm as usual.

"Why would I be? I hoped you two could get along, but you're adults, and not everyone is destined to be your friend. If you didn't end up liking each other much, that's fine. You're not in daycare, Rietta, I won't make you shake hands with her and share your toys."

Jesus, the wording made her mind rush to last night. She cleared her throat, thankful he didn't see her, her cheeks felt warm.

"She's important to Hanush, though, so I thought you wanted me to make a good impression, or something."

"I'm sure you did make a good impression. You're a lovely young woman. If that girl can't see that, that's her problem. Hanush complains about her constantly, and to be honest, I don't think even you could make her more likable."

She frowned. Alright, that wasn't exactly how she felt about Hanzel. Not entirely, anyway.

"She's not that bad."

Radzig sighed, clearly having heard countless stories and rumours by now.

"No one sticks around her for longer than a few months, and all her friends are more… acquaintances. Hanush told me she has to pay for everyone to go out with the group."

Jesus Christ. That made her stomach turn.

"That's horrible."

"Yes, it is. I hoped maybe it wasn't her fault, but if even you can't seem to like her…"

"It's not that, dad, she's…she seems complicated and distant, that's all."

Radzig exhaled on the other side of the call.

"You don't have to be polite here, Rietta."

"Henry."

"What?"

She swallowed, licking her lips.

"I don't like Rietta. Samuel calls me Henry."

"Oh. But that's a boy's name."

"A masculine name. And I don't care."

Radzig stayed quiet for a moment.

"Is it a…oh, how do you young people call it? A…gender…thing? Preference?"

He tried so hard to name it right, hesitated twice, and was ready to apologise immediately. She chuckled, shaking her head.

"No, dad, I am a woman. I just like the nickname. It's the same as when some Harriets go by Harry."

"You know you can tell me anything, right?"

She smiled softly. He spoke with such sincerity, warmth. God, he truly wanted her to be happy, after all, he fought for her to be in his life. Here, in Prague. 

She exhaled slowly.

"Yes, I know."

This conversation was heavy as it is. She can tell him she's a lesbian another time. 

"Alright, so. Henry. You don't have to be polite about that girl, if you don't like her, you don't, end of story. She can go bother someone else."

She clicked her tongue at Mutt, pulled on the leash slightly. The walk's over, friend, she has to go home and eat something.

"She's not that bad. To be honest, I think Hanush is overreacting a bit. She's not dumb. Quite bright, actually, when she's not being mean."

"I can hear your mother talking."

She blinked, walking up the street with Mutt by her side.

"What?"

"Sorry. It's just…you're so similar to her sometimes." He sighed. "She always saw the best in people, too. Tried her best not to judge too quickly."

Glitter had another trait that made it fucking awful. It stuck to everything and everyone around. Not only her.

She swallowed, staying quiet. Radzig breathed in, as if he forgot himself for a moment.

"But you didn't call me to get sad, did you?"

"Dad…"

"And no text about the bill from you either, what's that about? You didn't have fun at the dinner, so let me at least pay you back for the trouble."

"You don't have to."

"No, I want to. Come on, I only have one daughter to spoil. Do me this favor. Or I'll just transfer you three thousand crowns. Jesus, when will this country use Euros? It's taking years."

She chuckled, walking back into her apartment and setting Mutt free.

"Alright, I'll send you the number, I have to check first. And I have to go now."

"Okay. Eat a proper breakfast. Did you eat anything good at the restaurant, as I asked?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Yes, dad. Healthy and tasty, as ordered."

"Good, good. And dial down on coffee, that stuff can mess up your kidneys."

"Got it. I will try."

She could sense him smiling.

"Goodbye, Henry."

"Bye, dad."

She hung up, took her hoodie off and threw it on her bed. She put the kettle on. Tea this morning, then. She could use some good, herbal tea. 

She was halfway through making herself a sandwich when she finally checked her messages.

Hanzel.

where are you????

what the fuck

ohh your redbulls still here, so i assume youll be back soon ;)

running errands at 2am, or something? went out for a smoke?

hello?

That was this night. She was back home already, talking to Sam, and then she put her phone on silent and prepared for bed. 

Fuck. FUCK.

Hanzel was texting her? She didn't know Henrietta went back home?

She expected her to stay?

The rest was from two hours ago.

hey, in case you didn't connect the dots from the previous texts, its hanzel here. if you dont have me saved. you probably dont.

anyway, i dont know what happened that made you leave, but fine, if thats what you wanted. i wont make a scene or anything. i just told hanush we had dinner and it was fine.

Oh, fuck, sweet Lord Jesus Christ, what the hell.

She took a shaky breath, feeling cold. Her hands started trembling slightly, she put the sandwich away, and almost burned herself with the kettle as she poured the water into the cup.

She expected the messages to be from Radzig, or Sam, not Hanzel. Never Hanzel. And not like this, either, was she mad? Fuck, of course she was. She waited an hour last night, that's how much time passed between the first and the last message. The ones from this morning were written back to back. She was pissed, and hurt, it seems. 

She sat down on the kitchen chair, breathing fast. She opened up the keyboard, closed it, and wiped her face with her hand.

Radzig said Hanzel has to pay people to stick around. 

God, she felt sick.

She didn't understand her last night, she thought it was obvious she has to leave. Wasn't it? All her hookups just left afterwards. Or she left their place, sometimes without catching a breath first. Why did Hanzel want her do stay? She was taking a shower, so probably not for another round. They were both exhausted anyway. Was she supposed to just…sleep there? Leave in the morning? 

She imagined it for a second, falling asleep in that big, comfortable bed, with Hanzel by her side, naked. Her nose buried in that golden hair. God, she opted out for an Uber ride and a panic attack at home instead, fucking great.

She texted the first thing that came to her mind.

hey, sorry i didnt see your texts, fell asleep

She rocked slightly on the chair, Mutt came to her, turning his head, concerned. She petted his head.

"Good boy, Mutt, your owner is an idiot."

He wagged his tail. Agreeing? No treats for a week. Or a day. Or an hour, fine. Alright. Good boy.

She almost jumped at the notification.

how convenient

A shiver went down her back. Hanzel was quite scary when she was irritated, and now she was fucking furious, and had every right to be.

can we talk? please.

not in the mood.

Shit, shit, shit.

What the fuck was even going on, why did she try to make it right? She could just ignore her and move on. Radzig wasn't mad, Hanzel didn't want to talk to her, problem solved. But she had to explain, she had to let her know it wasn't anything like what her alleged friends did. She didn't use her.

But fuck, Hanzel probably felt used. Henrietta made her feel bad. Sad, maybe. Angry, for sure.

i didn't know you wanted me to stay

She licked her lips, nervous, and the phone almost flew out of her hand as it rang, Hanzel's contact on the screen, demanding answers.

Oh God, she's not going to survive this.

She picked up, swallowing, put her phone to her ear, and before she could say hello, Hanzel was already talking.

"What the fuck are you on about?"

She sounded mad as hell, but it did feel nice to hear her voice. Even if it was so sharp now.

"Uh, hi, Hanzel."

"Don't you Hanzel me here, what is your problem?"

She swallowed again. Was it weird that it was kind of hot, that tone of hers? So demanding.

"No-nothing's my problem, I just…"

"You just what? Left without a fucking word. You know what, I don't care if you want to forget about all this, fine, but don't make me look like an idiot here."

Henrietta took a big breath, rubbing her eye with her free hand.

"Hanzel, fucking god, shut up for a second."

Silence. Maybe out of spite, maybe she actually obeyed, who knows. But Hanzel was quiet, probably gritting her teeth and plotting her painful death on the other side of the call.

Alright, here it comes. Henrietta spoke as calmly as she could.

"I didn't know you wanted me to stay. And I panicked, and my dog was home alone."

Another moment of silence.

"You have a dog?"

Of course that was the most important part. And of course Henrietta had to go with it.

"Yeah. His name is Mutt." Yes, cause Hanzel needed to know the beast's name right now, Jesus. "I don't know. I couldn't have stayed even if I wanted to."

It took her a few second to realize what she said, and thankfully, Hanzel was quiet again, now probably due to being hurt by the words. Stop tormenting the girl, Henry.

"Fuck, not that I didn't want to stay in the first place, I just…Sorry. You wanted me to stay?" She asked and waited, with no result. That fucking Capon girl, the attitude. "Oh, great, now you're silent."

"I did."

"What?"

"I did want you to stay."

Oh. 

"Why?"

What a profound, tactful question, Henrietta.

"What the fuck do you mean, why?" She heard Hanzel getting angry again, her tone elevated. "We had sex for God's sake!"

"Yeah, but you don't like me!"

"I don't fucking know anymore!"

She blinked, gripping the phone tightly. Hanzel was breathing heavily, and Henrietta imagined her rolling her eyes and running a hand through that gorgeous hair, trying to calm down. 

No. They can't do this this way. She has to see her.

"Can we do the dinner again?"

Hanzel must have been shocked for a second.

"What?"

God, did she not expect this at all? She sounded so soft and confused, so hopeful and distant at the same time, like she tried to make sure she heard right, but not seem excited. 

"Can we try the dinner again? Somewhere normal, not a posh restaurant. I could cook something nice at my place."

Hanzel stayed quiet for a moment.

What did she look like right now? Was she still mad? Was she considering it? 

"Are you inviting me over to your house?"

Not mad, not considering it, worse, she had to make sure Henrietta was serious. 

"To my flat, yes. It's probably the size of your living room, though."

"I don't mind."

She closed her eyes, the voice echoing in her mind. It was so quiet, so soft, as if Hanzel really was afraid the offer would be withdrawn at any moment.

"Are you free tonight? I'll cook, and you bring the wine. Eight o'clock, works for you?"

"Yes."

Okay, that was fast.

She wanted to kiss her again.

"I'll send you the address, it's a bit more to the side."

"I thought you lived with Radzig? Or near him?"

"No, I wanted to live near a park. For Mutt's sake, and my own too, to be honest."

"Ah, right. Your doggie. Will he be there tonight?"

Henrietta chuckled.

"Well, yeah, he lives here. Why? You don't like dogs?"

"Not the biggest fan, to be honest."

"He's nice, I promise."

She could hear Hanzel smile as she answered, and it made her stomach feel funny.

"Alright, have it your way. Idiot."

Henrietta made it her new mission in life to bring that smiley voice out of her more often. It should be protected by the law. It should be fucking put on Spotify, so she can fall asleep to it.

"See you tonight, then. We'll talk more calmly."

"Okay. Bye, Henry."

Hanzel hung up, and Henrietta had to exhale for five seconds, her shoulders going down, her eyes closing, the stress leaving her body. Mutt bumped his nose into her knee, and she scratched him behind the ear.

"Put your finest collar on, boy, we're going to have a guest tonight."

Maybe something good could come out of this after all.